South Side Church Gets Big Donation — New Building Site

CHATHAM — On Sunday, Charles Jenkins, pastor of Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church, told his 4,000-member congregation that it received its biggest donation yet — a new church building, according to DNAinfo.com

“God has given Fellowship a big sign. Congratulations. You are the brand new owner of 8522 S. Lafayette. No mortgage, no debt,” Jenkins said during worship service. “To God be the glory.”

The vacant, 14.5-acre site is set to be redeveloped into a mixed-use complex, according to Jenkins. It would include up to seven retail stores, a restaurant, youth center and school at an estimated cost of $26 million.

The start and completion dates have not been set for the redevelopment project. It is not known when the church, now housed at 4543 S. Princeton Ave., will move into its new home.

The church property’s previous owner, Oklahoma-based Hobby Lobby Stores Inc., is a national arts and crafts chain that has contributed to faith-based initiatives nationwide for many years.